Sewing Machine Laser

Monday, March 27, 2017

Have you seen the new and fancy sewing machines that come with a built-in laser beam? You can use the laser to line up what you're sewing before it gets to the needle. It's extremely helpful for quilting straight lines or sewing half-square triangles without drawing the lines. But what to do if you don't have a new and fancy sewing machine??

First, let's be honest. Every single time I say or type the word laser, I feel the need to hold my pinky finger to the side of my mouth and say "laser" in my worst Dr. Evil from Austin Powers impression. Surely you do the same? No?? Moving on then...

I have wanted to add an after-market laser to my vintage Bernina 930 Record for some time now. I had searched for one that might work, but never had any luck. Then I saw a tip from @downgrapevinelane on Instagram about one that was working for her! In the mean time, I switched to using my new-to-me Juki TL-2010Q sewing machine. It was the perfect time to do some experimenting!

I ordered the laser on Amazon for around $15, but it is also available from Harbor Freight (for about half the price!). @downgrapevinelane purchased hers on Ebay.

The laser is made by Central Machinery. The head of the laser rotates, and the connection between the body of the laser and the mount allows it to move up and down. It works using three small batteries (included in the package). The class 2 laser emits a thin, straight, red beam. It comes with three options for mounting: small screws, magnets, and a sticky pad. (Note: As with any laser, do not look into the laser itself directly. If you have small children, make sure they can not get hold of it. It is perfectly safe to view the light that hits the sewing machine surface.) (Second note: If you have a computerized sewing machine, it may be wise to pop the magnets out that come on the back of the laser. Some magnets can interfere with the computer components. Better to be safe than sorry! You should be able to pop them out with a small screwdriver.)

I took it out of the package eager to start sewing. Then, to my surprise, discovered that the metal on the outside of my Juki is not magnetic! I wanted the laser to be easily removable, so the screws and sticky pad that came with it were not an option. I decided the best option here was a removable Command strip. (Edited to add: I am going to upgrade to one of the Command strips with Velcro so I can reposition the laser more easily.)

I positioned the laser to be out of the way of the thread and all moving parts of the sewing machine, being sure that the laser beam was still a straight line in front of the needle. Even at an angle, the laser beam is still straight and crisp. I also positioned the laser off the side of the Command strip in order to get the beam to line up properly since that place on my machine has a bit of an angle to it. It took a bit of trial and error, but I got it!

Next up was a sewing test! For the project I was sewing, I needed to stitch a diagonal line from corner to corner. Usually, I would use a ruler and draw a line on the wrong side of every square. However, using the laser, I didn't have to draw any lines!

As the sewing machine feeds the fabric, be sure that the corner of the square stays in line with the laser beam the entire time.

It's so much faster than drawing lines, and much more accurate than just eyeballing a straight line!

The laser also works for sewing half-square triangles two at a time. Just adjust the laser so the beam is 1/4" to the left or right of the needle. Then keep the corners of the square in line with the laser beam as the fabric feeds. Flip the square around and sew a second line the same way, then cut down the middle as usual. Perfect HSTs without the added step of drawing the lines!

I am very excited for this new and fancy feature on my sewing machine! With two young boys in the house, every minute of sewing time is precious. I love finding ways to use those precious minutes more efficiently!

45 comments:

Ooh, the fancy laser light! I only started noticing them lately, and I really want one, but of course, they only come on those fancy machines. Thanks for sharing such a great economical light! I may have to check it out. I need all the piecing help I can get!

Genius!! I too have a Juki 2010 and would love to save some time when piecing HST's. Thank you for the pics and info on where to purchase one! I think I see a visit to Harbor Freight in my near future!!

Thanks for this tutorial! I have the same light, and I had all the same attachment issues that you did. (Different machine tho) and I never thought of the Command Strips. You are a genius. Didn't know they make those strips with Velcro either. Must check that out. :)

Afton teaching a class that involved making HSTs, and having a student school me about why she didn't need to draw guide lines since she had a very upscale machine with a laser, I began to wonder if I could add one. I hadn't found anything that would work...until now. I was able to find this laser for $5.99 at Harbor Freight, and added it to my machine without incident with the Velcro Command strips. I'm so excited about my machine "update", because, after all, everything is better with chocolate or a laser.

Thank you so much!! I had the idea to try this but, I couldn't find a laser that would stay on without having to hold down the button the entire time or a way to mount it. I am heading to Harbor Freight!

Your light is not pointing straight down in front of your needle, so how does this work? From the pictures, at that angle, the light would not follow out from your needle. Can you explain in more detail? Thanks

Can't comprehend how the red line "turns" when it gets to the needle. But it must work! Need to scrounge my hubs toolbox, he had a laser light when trying toHang picture to keep them straight.Do I dare sneak into his " tool dungeon ?"

Happened upon your post on pinterest. I must say I can't wait to try it. I went to Harbor Freight today and it only cost me $90.00 oh, I took my husband...my mistake. The laser was $5.99 or something like that. Thanks for the info.

The laser is a line laser, not a point laser. This type of laser projects a wedge of light like sunlight shining through a door that's ajar. It is not the same type of laser that just projects a dot of light. This laser is made specifically for projecting a line.

I'm Laura! I'm a quilter, pattern designer, and homeschooling mom of two boys. I'm also an ex-math teacher - and with a last name like Piland - there's a strong love of pi in our house! I'd love for you to take a look around and leave a comment so I can get to know you! Let's sew something together!

Subscribe

Follow by Email

Copyright

Thank you for reading! Please remember that I reserve all rights to all content of this blog - including all photos and blog posts. Feel free to link back to Slice of Pi Quilts, but please contact me for permission to use any content of this blog.